portlandia (no copyright infringement intended)

despite the fact that everyone i'd ever spoke to about portland, said i would love it, it took me over 30 years to get there (i'll relinquish control over the first 18 years, and blame my parents for that neglect). two friends and i woke up WAYYYYY too early (anything before 8am is too early) and drove down to get as much into a short visit as possible.
portland comes across as a seemingly  lackadaisical community of 'hipsters' - and yet, it does itself well in the manner of nurturing the artistic realm. small shops of locally made product, restaurants of incredibly high caliber without the pretentious air of those in other cities - and BOOKS. oh the books. between the coffee culture of seattle, the rain of vancouver, and the lovely people (minus that one guy in that weird shop who was a complete jerk), i was totally impressed. definitely worth another visit.

in the meantime, there was victoria

destination two of my whirlwind was victoria. having never been, i was pleasantly surprised by its distinguished identity - i anticipated it would be nearly identical to vancouver. what i was confronted with was a wonderful and unique community which embraced a small town mentality, while demonstrating characteristics of a large city.
it may have helped to spend time with a great friend while there, but in addition, i had a chance to just be - my favourite way to vacation. drink coffee, browse in shops, read books and wake up late in comfortable beds. THAT'S what vacation is about.
victoria stole my heart, and reminded me of the art of long and great conversation. 

napa came first.

for a week in november, i jumped on a plane and met my parents in napa. an adventure of wine, rolling hills, education on earthquakes and drought, and many many laughs over my lack of luggage, ensued (seriously - i have a terrible set of luggage, considering i never check bags). (i need carry on luggage).
california - and more specifically napa - has it figured out in some ways. the weather, their love of culture (and wine - OH THE WINE), and their appreciation of simple, wonderful, classic things.
and then, in other ways, i can't figure it out - housing prices, it's lack of available living spaces, and its separation between rich and those who live within millimeters of the poverty line. there's something within me that pains with acknowledgment of the disparity that exists in places so close to me. the visible and shocking way in which those who have, live directly alongside those who do not.
the plain reminder was sometimes a bit much. without the ability to help. do anything, really.
i should say, napa was beautiful - their landscape is unbelievable, and despite drought, it's golden hues were dream like.
and, of course, any small moments with my parents, are enough to calm a mind that is stressed.
that, i needed.